Peter Duffield (left) says Handsworth Parramore are hoping to do well in the FA Vase, just like Sunderland RCA will be
Peter Duffield is refusing to raise the white flag on Handsworth Parramore’s title ambitions, but he does admit that is a good opportunity to prioritise the FA Vase.
Duffield is still waiting for his first win as Parramore boss after two defeats and a draw since replacing Russ Eagle two weeks ago.
The perfect moment to break his duck arrives tomorrow with the first round tie at Northern League outfit Sunderland RCA.
Handsworth have fallen as low as eighth in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division table and Duffield admits that the Vase is a high priority.
“Like any FA competition, it is a prestige competition,” he told Non League Yorkshire.
“It is as important as any other game. We want to go as far as we can in the Vase and there is the potential to go to Wembley.
“You’re right in what you say that because we’re not one of the front-runners anymore, it is a good chance to have a serious go in the cup competitions.
“We want to have a run in the Vase, but so will Sunderland so it is not going to be easy.”
Handsworth are now 14 points from leaders Tadcaster Albion after 16 games, but while admitting that it is a huge ask, Duffield is not throwing the towel in on the league campaign.
“I wouldn’t say that they (title hopes) have gone, but we do need a few snookers by teams dropping points,” he said.
“We want to finish as high as we possibly can, that’s for sure.
“There is still a hell of a long way to go.
“We could go on a ten or 15 game unbeaten run and you never know where that might take you.”
Handsworth lost 1-0 to Armthorpe in Duffield’s first in charge before the shock 2-1 loss to Liversedge last Saturday.
The tide turned on Wednesday night when Handsworth drew 0-0 at Athersley, despite striker Danny Critchlow having to play in goal for most of the match after an injury to Andrew Sneath.
Duffield added: “In the first game at Armthorpe we kept with the shape that they had been playing.
“In the next game with Liversedge, we changed the shape and to be honest we should have won the game as we had enough chances.
“At Athersley there was a nervousness about us.
“The players have heard all the rumours about the ‘new manager bringing this and that player in’.
“I thought we put that all to bed and I’m chuffed to pieces.
“The injury to Andrew Sneath gave them an excuse, but they didn’t take that because they put in a very good performance.
“It has given us a massive lift. I woke yesterday morning buzzing and that’s after drawing 0-0.
“All the signs are good for Saturday, but I’m not under-estimating Sunderland.”
Duffield expects to sign a goalkeeper in time to play at Sunderland as Sneath is ruled out with a pulled thigh.